• Russia claims to have captured two villages, Sredneye and Kleban-Byk, in the Donetsk region.
• The advances are part of a slow push towards Kostiantynivka, a vital logistics hub for Ukraine.
• International efforts for a peace summit between Russia and Ukraine are reportedly stalling.
• Ukrainian forces have claimed to recapture other territories, indicating ongoing conflict.
• World leaders, including South Africa's President, are advocating for renewed diplomatic discussions.

On Saturday, Russia's Defense Ministry announced that its forces captured two Ukrainian villages, Sredneye and Kleban-Byk, in the eastern Donetsk region, thereby increasing military pressure as international diplomatic efforts struggle to find resolution, according to India Times, TRT Global, and Anadolu Agency.

The capture of Kleban-Byk marks a strategic advance toward Kostiantynivka, a significant logistical point for Ukrainian operations, as Russian forces continue their slow progress in the area, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

Despite the Russian claims, Ukrainian officials have not acknowledged these changes in territorial control, and they report that their forces have successfully recaptured other areas, actively pushing back against the Russian advance, according to Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

As military actions escalate, diplomatic efforts for a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders are losing momentum, with recent statements indicating that "no meeting" is planned, according to India Times, TRT Global, and Le Monde.